The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) out of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. released its 2012-2013 report entitled A Portrait of the Permanent Diaconate. This report is a study for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It is a national survey of arch/dioceses and arch/epharchies in the United States commissioned by the Secretary of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the USCCB.
It is an interesting read. In it we learn that there are almost 19,000 permanent deacons in the United States, over 14,000 of which are in active ministry. Also, over 94% of active deacons are over the age of 50 years. Over 25% of them are over 70 years old. Ninty-three percent of deacons are married. As a group, permanent deacons are much more ethnically diverse than are U.S. priests, but not as diverse as is the U.S. Catholic population.
I would encourage you to read the report for yourselves. It doesn’t take a long time, and it is worth the time you will spend. Here is the link: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/diaconate/upload/Diaconate_Post-ordination_Report-Web-2013.pdf
